1) Hashtag in Instagram is the symbol ‘#’ before the word (without space). It’s purpose is to classify the picture and make it easier to be searched based on the hashtag ‘keyword(s)’.

2) In business, you can use hashtag to:

a) Build your Brand – Build your brand and community by creating a unique hashtag. Encourage followers to use that unique hashtag as one of your community.
b) To get new followers – Instagram users search posts based on their favourite hashtag. They will pay attention to your brand based on the search findings.
c) To check and choose followers – Target your potential followers by using hashtag related to your product(s). Set the type of followers that you want by referring to that particular hashtag, for example, #divers #muslimahclothing #bakers etc.

1) A lot of famous Brands use their bio to capture audience attention by putting CTA.

2) Among creative brand bio that sells directly on their Instagram sections is Michael Kors. All pictures has a unique hashtag; #InstaKors enable followers to view items directly. All steps to purchase is laid out on each picture.

3) Emirates build interactions with their followers by asking them to put a hashtag #emiratesonline #hellotomorrow when sharing their pictures and experiences when travelling with Emirates Airlines.

4) Fari.Co put a CTA on it’s slogan. A clear instruction, ‘follow if you want a beautiful tomorrow with a phone number and a unique hashtag #farifairies if followers want to view product pictures. Also can be used when having a sale/campaign by including hashtags #rayasales #markdownprice etc.

1) What is Call To Action?
It is an instruction/provocation to audience to get their immediate response, normally by the use of authority for them to do something such as ‘Call Now!’, ‘Get It Now!’, ‘Browse Our Website’, ‘Please Click’, ‘Please Like’ and many more.

2) Do you add CTA in your Instagram Posts?
If not, they will most probably read the link without any action.

3) Make sure you put a clear CTA. Tell them what they need to do.

4) Make it simple so audience give response immediately. If your CTA is to click a link, make sure the link is clearly stated in your post.

1) Normally pictures taken with subject in the middle. But ‘Rule of Third’ allows us to experiment with slightly different style.

2) What is ‘Rule of Third’? It is a simple trick mostly used to get a beautiful and catchy picture composition in a shortcut. Main subject is put off-center and only use 1/3 or 2/3 of the whole picture.

3) Make a grid for the whole picture, position subject anywhere other than the center of the grid and blur the rest of the picture to highlight the subject.

4) Example – Put the main subject (a scenery) along the vertical grids on left hand side and the rest of the picture is minimum space areas.

2) Hard Light:
a) Normally used to create dramatic effect on picture.
b) Obvious shadow effect creates a contra on picture for a premium effect.
c) Rarely used because this technique is hard to control.
d) If not used correctly will result in subject is not fully highlighted due to part of subject is covered with the shadow.
e) Technique – Take picture on sunny day around 2pm.

Lighting is very important in the process to get a beautiful, bright and clear picture. Basically, type of lighting is divided into two; ‘soft light’ and ‘hard light’.

1) Soft Light:
a) Safe to be used for all kind of pictures especially product or portrait.
b) It focus on the whole picture, colours and discard unnecessary elements such as extra shadow, glare etc.
c) Picture will be pleasant.
d) Technique – Take picture in the morning, early noon or late afternoon.